Wolfgang Depner

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Wolfgang Depner.

B.C. minister Popham won't run for a sixth term, deepening snap election speculation

B.C. minister Popham won't run for a sixth term, deepening snap election speculation

VICTORIA -- B.C. cabinet minister Lana Popham says she won't run for a sixth term, deepening speculation about a snap election being called.

John Rustad invited back to B.C. Conservative caucus as election prospect looms

John Rustad invited back to B.C. Conservative caucus as election prospect looms

VICTORIA -- Former British Columbia Conservative leader John Rustad says he has been invited to rejoin the party's caucus, just days after he was expelled by Kerry-Lynne Findlay in the dying days of her own tenure as leader.

CP NewsAlert: Rustad invited back to B.C. Conservatives as election prospect looms

CP NewsAlert: Rustad invited back to B.C. Conservatives as election prospect looms

VICTORIA -- Former British Columbia Conservative leader John Rustad says he has been invited to rejoin the party's caucus, just days after he was expelled by Kerry-Lynne Findlay in the dying days of her own leadership.

NDP meets on election prospects as B.C. Conservatives name Doerkson interim leader

NDP meets on election prospects as B.C. Conservatives name Doerkson interim leader

The caucus of British Columbia's governing NDP has met to discuss a potential early election after the resignation of Opposition B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Findlay quit Sunday, saying it was the right move for the party and province, and the Conservative board of directors appointed MLA Lorne Doerkson as interim leader hours later. But the Conservative constitution prohibits an...

NDP meets on election prospects as B.C. Conservatives name Doerkson interim leader

NDP meets on election prospects as B.C. Conservatives name Doerkson interim leader

VICTORIA -- The caucus of British Columbia's governing NDP has met to discuss a potential early election after the resignation of Opposition B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

B.C. Conservatives' Findlay resigns; interim leader named ahead of potential election

B.C. Conservatives' Findlay resigns; interim leader named ahead of potential election

British Columbia's political landscape continues to shift, with Kerry-Lynne Findlay stepping down as the leader of B-C's Conservatives Sunday, and the party's board of directors appointing MLA Lorne Doerkson as interim leader hours later. Findlay's resignation and Doerkson's appointment come amid speculation that New Democratic Premier David Eby may call an early election. Findlay announced her move fewer than four...

B.C. Conservatives' Findlay resigns; interim leader named ahead of potential election

B.C. Conservatives' Findlay resigns; interim leader named ahead of potential election

VICTORIA -- British Columbia's political landscape continues to shift, with Kerry-Lynne Findlay stepping down as the leader of B-C's Conservatives Sunday, and the party's board of directors appointing MLA Lorne Doerkson as interim leader hours later.

Conservatives in chaos as eight join CentreBC and Eby says no decision on early vote

Conservatives in chaos as eight join CentreBC and Eby says no decision on early vote

The self-destruction of the British Columbia Conservatives has birthed a right-of-centre alternative in the provincial legislature, which faces the prospect of an early election call by Premier David Eby to take advantage of chaos in Opposition ranks.

Conservatives in chaos as eight join CentreBC and Eby says no decision on early vote

Conservatives in chaos as eight join CentreBC and Eby says no decision on early vote

The self-destruction of the British Columbia Conservatives has birthed a right-of-centre alternative in the provincial legislature, which faces the prospect of an early election call by Premier David Eby to take advantage of chaos in Opposition ranks. CentreBC will become the third largest party in the legislature after eight former B.C. Conservative legislators announced they would join, including former finance...

CP NewsAlert: Eight former Conservatives join CentreBC

CP NewsAlert: Eight former Conservatives join CentreBC

A group of eight former B.C. Conservative legislators say they are joining the CentreBC party with Peter Milobar taking over as leader of the party that will become the third largest in the provincial legislature.

Eight former Conservatives join CentreBC

Eight former Conservatives join CentreBC

A group of eight former B.C. Conservative legislators say they are joining the CentreBC party with Peter Milobar taking over as leader of the party that will become the third largest in the provincial legislature.

B.C. Conservatives in chaos, three more MLAs out, as Eby says no decision on election

B.C. Conservatives in chaos, three more MLAs out, as Eby says no decision on election

British Columbia Premier David Eby said Friday he had made no decision on a possible early election, as the dwindling ranks of the rival B.C. Conservative Party descended into chaos, with the loss of three more members. Eby had been asked about an early provincial vote at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Vancouver. “We haven’t made any decisions...

B.C. Conservatives in chaos, three more MLAs out, as Eby says no decision on election

B.C. Conservatives in chaos, three more MLAs out, as Eby says no decision on election

VICTORIA -- British Columbia Premier David Eby said Friday he had made no decision on a possible early election, as the dwindling ranks of the rival B.C. Conservative Party descended into chaos, with the loss of three more members.

CP NewsAlert: Eby says no decision on election as three exit Conservative caucus

CP NewsAlert: Eby says no decision on election as three exit Conservative caucus

VICTORIA -- British Columbia Premier David Eby says he hasn't decided on a possible early election, as upheaval continues in the rival B.C. Conservative Party, with the loss of three more members.

Claire Rattee is 10th B.C. Conservative to leave caucus, blasting Findlay on way out

Claire Rattee is 10th B.C. Conservative to leave caucus, blasting Findlay on way out

VICTORIA -- The British Columbia Conservative Party has lost another caucus member, with Claire Rattee issuing a scathing exit statement that says she was among at least 10 Conservatives who signed a letter calling on party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay to quit.

B.C. Conservative leader Findlay 'not going anywhere' amid private-eye revelations

B.C. Conservative leader Findlay 'not going anywhere' amid private-eye revelations

British Columbia Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay said Thursday she was "not going anywhere" on another day of tumult for the Opposition, roiled by revelations that a private eye had been hired to look into her critics and calls for her to resign at an overnight caucus meeting.

B.C. Conservative leader Findlay 'not going anywhere' amid private-eye revelations

B.C. Conservative leader Findlay 'not going anywhere' amid private-eye revelations

British Columbia Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay said Thursday she was "not going anywhere" on another day of tumult for the Opposition, roiled by revelations that a private eye had been hired to look into her critics and calls for her to resign at an overnight caucus meeting. Lawyer Bruce Hallsor, a King's counsel, said the party's former executive director Elaine...

Lawyer says former B.C. Conservative director hired private eye, angering legislators

Lawyer says former B.C. Conservative director hired private eye, angering legislators

A lawyer retained by the British Columbia Conservatives says the party's former executive director hired a private investigator, and legislators critical of Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay say they were targeted.

CP NewsAlert: Lawyer says former B.C. Conservative director hired private eye

CP NewsAlert: Lawyer says former B.C. Conservative director hired private eye

A lawyer retained by the British Columbia Conservatives says the party's former executive director hired a private investigator, and legislators critical of Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay say they were targeted.

B.C. Conservative legislator Rattée calls out Findlay, says team 'deeply divided'

B.C. Conservative legislator Rattée calls out Findlay, says team 'deeply divided'

VICTORIA -- The caucus woes for B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay continue after a member called her out in a 1,000-word online essay, saying she wouldn’t "tolerate" Findlay's leadership unless it changed.

B.C.'s deficit forecast up $450M to $13.8B after calculation errors on gas royalties

B.C.'s deficit forecast up $450M to $13.8B after calculation errors on gas royalties

VICTORIA -- The British Columbia deficit forecast has grown by $450 million to a record-setting $13.8 billion, largely because of a "calculation error" on natural gas royalties, in a situation one critic describes as a state of "fiscal crisis."

Milobar's new party gains seventh B.C. legislator, 'on track' for official status

Milobar's new party gains seventh B.C. legislator, 'on track' for official status

VICTORIA -- The new party formed by British Columbia legislators who have defected from the provincial Conservatives in recent weeks gained a seventh member on Monday, with interim leader Peter Milobar calling it an exciting development as the fledgling caucus works toward official recognition when the legislature resumes next month.

Indigenous legislation among top issues at Union of B.C. Municipalities convention

Indigenous legislation among top issues at Union of B.C. Municipalities convention

An annual gathering of municipal leaders from across British Columbia opens in Vancouver today with the province's Indigenous rights legislation high on the agenda, along with housing and public safety, among other topics.

Teresa Wat becomes sixth legislator to join new party of former B.C. Conservatives

Teresa Wat becomes sixth legislator to join new party of former B.C. Conservatives

British Columbia legislator Teresa Wat says she has joined the still-unnamed party co-founded by former B.C. Conservative leadership candidate and Opposition finance critic Peter Milobar, becoming its sixth member. The Richmond-area MLA is among nine legislators who have quit the provincial Conservatives in recent weeks, citing a range of concerns about party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Milobar was the first to...

Teresa Wat becomes sixth legislator to join new party of former B.C. Conservatives

Teresa Wat becomes sixth legislator to join new party of former B.C. Conservatives

VICTORIA -- The newest member of a still-unnamed party acknowledged she and five other former provincial Conservative legislators are in for the "long-haul" if they want to throw out British Columbia's NDP government, while urging others to join them.

Group seeks to resuscitate 'mainstream' BC United, calls on Falcon to quit as leader

Group seeks to resuscitate 'mainstream' BC United, calls on Falcon to quit as leader

VICTORIA -- Politics in British Columbia could be getting more crowded as a group tries to take over and revive the moribund BC United party, to give voters what they call a "principled, mainstream centre-right alternative" in the province.

Group seeks to resuscitate 'mainstream' BC United, calls on Falcon to quit as leader

Group seeks to resuscitate 'mainstream' BC United, calls on Falcon to quit as leader

Politics in British Columbia could be getting more crowded as a group tries to take over and revive the moribund BC United party, to give voters what they call a "principled, mainstream centre-right alternative" in the province. The group called Unite Liberal BC launched on Thursday with a call for BC United leader Kevin Falcon to step down from the...

Building ferries in B.C. would help in battle against U.S. tariffs: report

Building ferries in B.C. would help in battle against U.S. tariffs: report

VICTORIA -- A new report says building ferries in British Columbia would help the province weather the harsh economic trade winds coming from the United States.

'Huge win': Why some Findlay supporters are happy B.C. Conservative caucus is smaller

'Huge win': Why some Findlay supporters are happy B.C. Conservative caucus is smaller

VICTORIA -- The Conservative Party of B.C. may have lost nine legislators since Kerry-Lynne Findlay became leader, but some of her supporters are applauding the defections they say will help discipline the party and sharpen differences with the governing NDP.

Eby invokes Canadian kindness after 9/11 in support of Ottawa's retaliatory tariffs

Eby invokes Canadian kindness after 9/11 in support of Ottawa's retaliatory tariffs

VICTORIA -- British Columbia Premier David Eby invoked the memory of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Canadian efforts to help their "closest friend" as he voiced support for Ottawa's counter tariffs in the trade conflict with the United States on Tuesday.

Peter Milobar cites gap in 'ideological alignment' as he quits B.C. Conservatives

Peter Milobar cites gap in 'ideological alignment' as he quits B.C. Conservatives

The B.C. Conservatives have lost one of their leading moderate voices, with Peter Milobar citing a lack of "ideological alignment" with leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay for his decision to sit as an Independent.

Peter Milobar exits B.C. Conservatives to sit as Independent, citing different values

Peter Milobar exits B.C. Conservatives to sit as Independent, citing different values

B.C. opposition finance critic Peter Milobar has announced he is sitting as an Independent, saying his values don't align with the B.C. Conservatives under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Milobar said on social media on Friday that Findlay had earned the right to lead the party as she saw fit but the disconnect between his views and the Conservatives' "new...

Peter Milobar exits B.C. Conservatives to sit as Independent, citing different values

Peter Milobar exits B.C. Conservatives to sit as Independent, citing different values

B.C. opposition finance critic Peter Milobar has announced he is sitting as an Independent, saying his values don't align with the B.C. Conservatives under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

Iconic castle in Greater Victoria is to be transferred under B.C. treaty

Iconic castle in Greater Victoria is to be transferred under B.C. treaty

VICTORIA -- The minister responsible for treaty negotiations with First Nations in B.C. confirms public access to 30 properties, including a well-known castle, could be limited or lost completely following an agreement.

Tighter spending, more revenue brings B.C. deficit down to $7.7B, minister says

Tighter spending, more revenue brings B.C. deficit down to $7.7B, minister says

VICTORIA -- The British Columbia government says the final accounting for the budget year ending in March shows a deficit of $7.7 billion, more than three billion lower than forecast.

The provincial deficit dropped by $3.3 billion to $7.7 billion in 2025/26: Bailey

The provincial deficit dropped by $3.3 billion to $7.7 billion in 2025/26: Bailey

VICTORIA -- The British Columbia government says the final accounting for the budget year ending in March shows a deficit of $7.7 billion, more than three billion lower than forecast.

Housing minister says B.C. in talks with Ottawa over cutting development cost charges

VICTORIA -- British Columbia's housing minister says her government is working with Ottawa to help fund the infrastructure needed as it pushes to build more homes in the province.

B.C. government allows accelerated expansion of the Tilbury LNG fuel facility

B.C. government allows accelerated expansion of the Tilbury LNG fuel facility

VICTORIA -- The British Columbia government is exempting a utility company that plans to expand its liquefied natural gas plant in Metro Vancouver, allowing the $2-billion investment to move ahead.

Has rise of the right primed B.C. politics for a party that breaks the binary?

Has rise of the right primed B.C. politics for a party that breaks the binary?

Former British Columbia premier Christy Clark says voters in the province face a choice between the "worst government in B.C. history" and an opposition headed by an unelectable leader. "She cannot win an election," Clark said of Conservative Party of B.C. Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay. "She is too kooky." Clark isn't alone in making a calculation that the ascendancy of conservatives...

Has rise of the right primed B.C. politics for a party that breaks the binary?

Has rise of the right primed B.C. politics for a party that breaks the binary?

VICTORIA -- Former British Columbia premier Christy Clark says voters in the province face a choice between the "worst government in B.C. history" and an opposition headed by an unelectable leader.

Blueberry First Nations says native plant orchard to help restore B.C. industry sites

Blueberry First Nations says native plant orchard to help restore B.C. industry sites

FORT ST. JOHN -- A First Nation in British Columbia says a new native plant orchard established in its territory could help reclaim and restore thousands of industrial sites around northeastern B.C.

Former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Mike Bernier is appointed leader of CentreBC

Former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Mike Bernier is appointed leader of CentreBC

A former B.C. cabinet minister is the new leader of CentreBC, an upstart political party that lacks a seat in the legislature but offers itself as a middle-of-the-road alternative to the two major parties in provincial politics. The party announced outside the legislature that Mike Bernier is its new leader, having served from 2013 to 2024 in various roles, including...

Former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Mike Bernier is appointed leader of CentreBC

Former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Mike Bernier is appointed leader of CentreBC

VICTORIA -- A former B.C. cabinet minister is the new leader of CentreBC, an upstart political party that lacks a seat in the legislature but offers itself as a middle-of-the-road alternative to the two major parties in provincial politics.

Vast John Horgan Dam is a monument to engineering, as well as NDP's shifting stance

Vast John Horgan Dam is a monument to engineering, as well as NDP's shifting stance

FORT ST. JOHN -- The scale of the John Horgan Dam, the most costly engineering project in British Columbia history, is hard to fathom until up close.

Business leader says he hopes Greater Victoria gets fair share of submarine money

Business leader says he hopes Greater Victoria gets fair share of submarine money

VICTORIA -- The federal government's submarine contract with a German company offers a "tremendous amount of opportunity" to propel British Columbia's shipping industry, political and business leaders say.

B.C. Conservative leader Findlay retains former rival Milobar in shadow cabinet

B.C. Conservative leader Findlay retains former rival Milobar in shadow cabinet

VICTORIA -- New B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay has kept former rival Peter Milobar and his supporters in her shadow cabinet, a day after installing a caucus leadership team that skewed toward her loyalists.

B.C.'s newest municipality of Okanagan Falls to be incorporated in November

B.C.'s newest municipality of Okanagan Falls to be incorporated in November

VICTORIA -- Residents of British Columbia's first new municipality in 16 years will soon be voting for a mayor and council.

Plan to buy B.C. condos might be more about stabilizing sector than housing: expert

Plan to buy B.C. condos might be more about stabilizing sector than housing: expert

VICTORIA -- A government plan to buy empty condominiums and turn them into affordable housing in British Columbia might be more about stabilizing the financial sector than housing, an urban planning expert says.

B.C. condo conversion plan might be more about financial sector than housing: expert

B.C. condo conversion plan might be more about financial sector than housing: expert

VICTORIA -- An urban planning expert says a plan to convert empty condominiums into affordable housing in British Columbia might be more about stabilizing the financial sector than housing.

B.C. condo conversion plan might be more about financial sector than housing: expert

B.C. condo conversion plan might be more about financial sector than housing: expert

An urban planning expert says a plan to convert empty condominiums into affordable housing in British Columbia might be more about stabilizing the financial sector than housing. Some have criticized the federal and B.C. government's plan to convert unsold condos in a plan that Prime Minister Mark Carney said would use "innovative financial tools" as the most efficient ways to...

Advocacy group welcomes property crime program, says B.C. must deal with root cause

Advocacy group welcomes property crime program, says B.C. must deal with root cause

The British Columbia government is going to spend $16 million over the next two years focusing its efforts on 420 chronic offenders behind a "disproportionate" amount of street disorder, and property and retail crime.

Advocacy group welcomes property crime program, but B.C. must deal with root cause

Advocacy group welcomes property crime program, but B.C. must deal with root cause

The British Columbia government is going to spend $16 million over the next two years focusing its efforts on 420 chronic offenders behind a "disproportionate" amount of street disorder, and property and retail crime.

Public safety minister launches new program to crack down on property crime in B.C.

Public safety minister launches new program to crack down on property crime in B.C.

VICTORIA -- The British Columbia government is taking aim at some of the province's worst repeat offenders, spending millions to follow 420 people responsible much of the street disorder and retail crime.

B.C. Energy Minister Dix announces upgrades to multiple hydro dams

B.C. Energy Minister Dix announces upgrades to multiple hydro dams

VICTORIA -- The B.C. government is launching an upgrade on the provincial hydro system in an effort to increase the power supply by seven per cent.

B.C. must learn from Site C dam before starting new projects, says environmentalist

B.C. must learn from Site C dam before starting new projects, says environmentalist

VICTORIA -- An environmental group is condemning plans by the British Columbia government to consider building two new hydropower dams, including a fourth dam on the Peace River, saying the province first needs to "come to grips" with the negative impact of the recently completed Site C dam.

B.C. must learn from previous dams before starting new ones, says environmentalist

B.C. must learn from previous dams before starting new ones, says environmentalist

VICTORIA -- An environmental group is condemning plans by the British Columbia government to look into building two new hydropower dams, including a fourth dam on the Peace River.

B.C. eyes two new hydropower dams, including Site E near Alberta border, Dix says

B.C. eyes two new hydropower dams, including Site E near Alberta border, Dix says

The British Columbia government is looking at building two new hydroelectric dams, including a fourth dam for the Peace River where the Site C project generated opposition and cost overruns. The so-called Site E project would have a capacity of up to 750 megawatts, while a project near Bute Inlet northeast of Powell River would be bigger at 900 megawatts...

B.C. eyes two new hydropower dams, including Site E near Alberta border, Dix says

B.C. eyes two new hydropower dams, including Site E near Alberta border, Dix says

VICTORIA -- The British Columbia government is looking at building two new hydroelectric dams, including a fourth dam for the Peace River where the Site C project generated opposition and cost overruns.

How geography, Trump, and global instability help explain World Cup security costs

How geography, Trump, and global instability help explain World Cup security costs

Bud Mercer was the head of security for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, a near billion-dollar operation.

Minister says Canadian forestry crisis goes beyond Trump tariffs

Minister says Canadian forestry crisis goes beyond Trump tariffs

VICTORIA -- Canada's forestry sector is the trade "canary in the coal mine" as it faces structural challenges that go beyond Trump-era tariffs, says the federal minister responsible for natural resources.